Professional Roles and Values 2.0 (new). Literature Term Paper

Professional Roles and Values
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Institution
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Professional Roles and Values
Introduction
Mr Newcomb’s request was to see his mistress one last time before his death because his wife was always by his side in the hospital is an example of the dilemmas that nurses often face in their line of practice. I would allow Mr Newcomb to see his mistress one last time. Moreover, I would fulfill his request and call his wife asking her not to visit him on that specific day so that he could be able to see his mistress.
Bioethical Principles
Allowing Mr Newcomb to see his mistress one last time was in line with the beneficent ethical principle in nursing. Beneficence is the act that is performed for the gain of others. According to Rich (2016, p.45), beneficence is the performance of actions that show mercy, kindness, friendship and charity. It is a principle that encourages nurses to perform actions that improve the welfare of their patients. It is also important to note that the principle requires nurses to help their patients. Considering that Mr Newcomb had made his request, I would help to fulfil his last wishes.
In addition, the principle of nonmaleficence also applies in this case. Non-maleficence is the responsibility that nurses should not do harm (Rich, 2016, p.42). They are required to be careful not to give ineffective treatment or act maliciously towards them. Failure to allow Mr Newcomb to see his mistress one last time could bring harm to the patient psychologically considering the fact that he had few days remaining to live. Moreover, it is not a desire to do evil to the patient rather it is an act to help the patient. As much as the action could bring serious effects afterwards with his wife, it is an action that will have benefited the patient. It is important to note that non-maleficence requires a nurse to consider if the benefits of the actions will outweigh the burdens. In Mr Newcomb’s case, the benefits outweigh the burdens because he will die peacefully having his wishes fulfilled and the wife will not necessarily know the truth. Furthermore, the benefits outweigh the risks because the wife could be aware of her husband’s affair, but if not, she would have been counselled. It was also important to consider that failure to allow the patient to see his mistress one last time might cause the mistress to cause trouble with the family after his death.
The principle of autonomy also applies in this case. Autonomy is the ability to act in a self determination (Rich, 2016, p.36). It requires a person to be free from control while making decisions. Mr Newcomb considered that he was almost dying therefore asked to see his mistress without his wife’s knowledge. I would allow him to see his mistress...